The 5-2-1-0 stands for: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, 2 hours a day maximum of TV watching and computer time, 1 hour of physical activity each day, and 0 soda or other sugar-sweetened drinks.  The idea of this program, and its mantra, is to develop healthy habits in our city’s children, not just healthy eating habits, but lifestyle habits too.  Getting professional athletes involved helps kids to understand that healthy living is important for adults too, even the one’s known for being athletically superior. Basketball legend, and NETS alumni Darrel Dawkins was on hand to lead several of the students though a round of Dance, Dance Revolution, a video game that allows children to exercise while scoring points for their “fresh” moves.

“As an athlete, I know how important a healthy lifestyle is for being successful,” said Dawkins, “and I am very excited about this partnership.  When you have a good partnership, you know that you are going to have a great team!”

Other speakers of the day included President and CEO of Lutheran Medical Center, Wendy Goldstein; Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus, Larry McReynolds, Executive Director of Lutheran Family Health Centers; Brett Yormark, President and CEO of NETS Sports and Entertainment, LLC; Dr Norma Villanueva, MD, Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Health for Lutheran Family Health Centers, and Jack Spatola, Principal of P.S. 172.

“It is essential that we aggressively prevent childhood obesity now, before these kids grow up with a disadvantage,” said Principal Spatola, “and it is key that we involve as many aspects of the community as we can.  Many of our student’s parents don’t understand and don’t trust the healthcare system, but they trust the schools, so whenever we can act as ambassador to help families get the services they need, it is a good day.”

“This is a wonderful example of what a partnership should be!” said Wendy Goldstein, President and CEO of Lutheran Medical Center.  “Seeing LMC, Health Plus, P.S. 172 ,and the NETS, all working together, is a great step forward for our community.”

“Anytime that we can get involved with the community, we never hesitate to do all we can,” said Brett Yormark, President and CEO of NETS Sports and Entertainment, LLC.  “Obesity is not just a problem for children; it is a condition that affects many adults, too.  So if we can instill in children, good healthy lifestyle choices now, they will grow up to be healthy adults.”

“I couldn’t be more proud of the work being done here today.” said Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus. “My staff has been working to fight childhood obesity for many years now, and we have always depended on help from the community, but a partnership of this magnitude speaks volumes in itself, and working with partners like Lutheran Medical Center and the NETS, gives me hope that this is a battle that we can win.”